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Concentrations in IT

Each of the concentrations for the information technology degree has its own course requirements, outlined below.

Software engineering

For students with a background in object-oriented programming using C++ or Java (at the level of data structures) and discrete mathematics, this concentration provides formal training in the use of systematic engineering principles applied to the design, construction, and maintenance of large software applications. If you do not have this specific background in computer science, it is strongly recommended that you complete for noncredit or undergraduate credit CSCI E-50a, CSCI E-50b, CSCI E-119, and CSCI E-120 before attempting graduate-level computer science classes that would count toward the degree.

Thesis track

Why choose this track?

  • It provides solid preparation for advanced study and careers in research.
  • You work independently with a thesis director on a self-designed project grounded in academic literature.

Course requirements

5 required courses, 4 electives, and a master’s thesis

Required courses:

  • 1 theoretical/mathematical foundations course (required for admission)
  • 1 data communications course
  • 1 distributed computing course
  • 1 systems programming course
  • 1 software design course

Capstone track

Why choose this track?

  • You are considering a career as a software engineer.
  • You want to build professional skills through additional courses and a capstone project.
  • In the capstone, you work with a team to solve a problem using an established software engineering method.

Course requirements

6 required courses, 5 electives, and a capstone course

Required courses:

  • 1 theoretical/mathematical foundations course (required for admission)
  • 1 data communications course
  • 1 distributed computing course
  • 1 systems programming course
  • 1 software design course
  • 1 web application development course

To select required and elective courses, use the degree course search.

Information management systems

For students who have a background in object-oriented programming techniques (at the level of data structures), this concentration focuses on the intersection of technology and management, and the integration of business strategies and processes with computer systems. Learn how organizations and global competition are transformed by IT developments that support an organization’s operational and decision-making activities. If you do not have a specific background in computer science, it is strongly recommended that you complete CSCI E-50a, CSCI E-50b, and CSCI E-119 for noncredit or undergraduate credit before attempting graduate-level computer science classes that would count toward the degree.

Course requirements

6 required courses, 5 electives, and a capstone course

Required courses:

  • 1 web principles course
  • 1 data communications course
  • 1 distributed computing course
  • 1 security and risk management course
  • 1 database management course
  • 1 information technology management course

To select required and elective courses, use the degree course search.

Mathematics and computation

Intended primarily for practicing and aspiring engineers, scientists, and consultants—as well as government professionals involved with math, science, and technology—this quantitative concentration provides students with up-to-date courses that cover developments in the uses of mathematical computing.

Course requirements

5 required courses, 4 electives, and a master’s thesis

Required courses:

  • 1 algorithms course
  • 1 programming course
  • 1 advanced calculus course
  • 1 linear algebra course
  • 1 theoretical/mathematical foundations course

You may count only 1 300-level mathematics course as an elective.

To select required and elective courses, use the degree course search.

Digital media arts and instructional design

For students with a modest programming background and a strong interest in digital media, this concentration focuses on the artistic, pedagogical, and technical aspects of designing and creating web-based and stand-alone interactive systems. The focus is interdisciplinary, combining ideas from linear and nonlinear multimedia, animation, learning theory, and traditional information processing. If you do not have any computing background, it may help to complete CSCI E-50a for noncredit or undergraduate credit before attempting graduate-level computer science classes that would count toward the degree.

Course requirements

6 required courses, 3 electives, and a master’s thesis

Required courses:

  • 1 computational design course (required for admission)
  • 2 digital media courses
  • 1 education and instructional design course
  • 2 web design and application development courses
  • 3 electives

To select required and elective courses, use the degree course search.